High temperature flashpoint, stable cleaning composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous based micellar solution in the form of a microemulsion which is an effective all-purpose cleaner and which has a flashpoint in excess of its boiling point which is typically greater than 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

I claim: 
     
       1. A non-combustible solvent composition comprised of: a) at least a first solvent other than terpineol having a flashpoint in excess of 200° F; and   b) admixed with said first solvent an effective amount for solvent purposes of terpineol containing no significant amount of alpha and beta pinene wherein the flashpoint of said terpineol is at least about 212° F.   
     
     
       2. The composition of claim 1 wherein: a) said first solvent is miscible in water.   
     
     
       3. The composition of claim 1, wherein: a) a second solvent other than terpineol or said first solvent having a flashpoint in excess of 200° F. is admixed with said terpineol.   
     
     
       4. The composition of claim 3 wherein: a) each of said first and second solvents is soluble in water.   
     
     
       5. The composition of claim 3 wherein: a) each of said first and second solvents is an organic material.   
     
     
       6. The composition of claim 5 wherein: a) one of said solvents is n-methyl pyrrolidone and the other of said solvents is dipropylene glycol.   
     
     
       7. The composition of claim 3 wherein: a) said first and second solvents and said terpineol are each present in the composition in equal volume percentages.   
     
     
       8. The composition of claim 1, wherein: a) said terpineol has been devolatized by heating to and being maintained for a sufficient time at a temperature sufficient to drive off any significant amount of alpha and beta pinene.   
     
     
       9. A non-combustible industrial solvent, comprising: a) first and second organic solvents, other than terpineol each said organic solvent having a flashpoint in excess of 200° F.; and   b) an effective amount for solvent purposes of terpineol admixed with said solvents and containing no significant amount of alpha and beta pinenes so that the flashpoint of said terpineol is at least about 212° F.   
     
     
       10. An industrial solvent of claim 9, wherein: a) each of said organic solvents is miscible in water.   
     
     
       11. An industrial solvent of claim 9, wherein: a) there is an equal volume percentage of each of said organic solvents in the non-combustible industrial solvent.   
     
     
       12. An industrial solvent of claim 11, wherein: a) each of said organic solvents are present in the non-combustible industrial solvent in a volume percentage equal to the volume percentage of said terpineol.   
     
     
       13. An industrial solvent of claim 9, wherein: a) said terpineol contains from about 95% by volume to about 100% by volume of said terpineol.   
     
     
       14. An industrial solvent of claim 9, wherein: a) said first solvent is n-methyl pyrrolidone and said second solvent is dipropylene glycol.   
     
     
       15. A high flashpoint water soluble composition, comprising: a) a solvent system other than terpineol miscible in water and having a flashpoint in excess of 200° F.; and   b) an effective amount for solvent purposes of terpineol containing no significant amount of alpha and beta pinenes and having a flashpoint of at least about 212° F.   
     
     
       16. A water soluble composition of claim 15, wherein: a) said solvent system comprises a blend of at least two organic solvents.   
     
     
       17. A water soluble composition of claim 16, wherein: a) each of said solvents is present in a volume percentage equal to the volume percentage of said terpineol.   
     
     
       18. A water soluble composition of claim 17, wherein: a) one of said solvents is n-methyl pyrrolidone and the other of said solvents is dipropylene glycol.   
     
     
       19. A method of removing grease and soluble contaminants from articles, comprising the steps of: a) providing an article having a contaminant thereon; and   b) removing the contaminant by applying to the contaminant a sufficient quantity of a terpineol which has no significant amount of alpha and beta pinene so that the flashpoint of said terpineol is at least about 212° F.